Himachal CM urges BJP MPs to push Centre for forest land allocation, special relief package

CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the BJP and its Members of Parliament to seek the Central Governments support for approving the allotment of one bigha of forest land per disaster-affected family, along with a special relief package. He pointed out that 68 per cent of the states land is categorised as forest land, and without the Centres approval, the state government cannot provide such land. CM Sukhu also said that the state government has prepared a project worth Rs 3,000 crore to obtain assistance from the World Bank for disaster management and rehabilitation. The Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey of disaster-affected areas in Kullu and Manali districts. During his visit to Kullu, CM Sukhu reviewed the damage caused by flash floods and cloudbursts in various regions and interacted with affected families, assuring them of all possible assistance from the state government. The state government is extending assistance to affected families from its own limited resources, as no support has so far been received from the Central Government. We have requested the Centre to provide one bigha of forest land to each affected family to help them resettle in safer locations, CM Sukhu said. He further urged BJP MPs to press the Central Government for approval of this request and for the sanction of a special relief package. BJP leaders are active only on social media, but they have done nothing on the ground for the disaster-hit people. On the other hand, Congress leaders are reaching out to the people and working to alleviate the hardships caused by the disaster, he remarked. CM Sukhu said that the state government has prepared a 3,000 crore project to secure World Bank assistance for disaster management and rehabilitation of affected families. One dead, 5 missing as landslides triggered by heavy rains wreak havoc in Himachal The Chief Minister added that this years monsoon had caused widespread devastation across the state, resulting in heavy loss of life and property. During the past four days, rainfall has caused further damage in various parts of the state. The government is extending every possible support to those affected and has directed district administrations to provide maximum assistance to affected families, he said. CM Sukhu informed that the administration had deployed Army Chinook and MI-17 helicopters to rescue devotees stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district. A total of 605 devotees were safely evacuated from Bharmour and transported free of cost to their destinations in HRTC buses on Thursday, he said. The government has also cancelled all examinations in the state due to adverse weather and road conditions. He said the government was also making efforts to transport the produce of farmers and orchardists from disaster-affected regions to the markets. At present, the top priority is to restore roads and ensure essential services such as electricity and water supply at the earliest. Families whose houses have been completely destroyed are being provided with financial assistance of 7.70 lakh by the state government. Compensation will also be given for the loss of livestock, CM Sukhu added. The Chief Minister departed for Kullu from Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla in an Air Force helicopter, carrying rations and essential supplies. He inspected damaged roads, bridges and private properties at Vashisth Chowk, Manali, Bahang and Old Manali. He also visited devastation sites at Akhara Bazaar in Kullu, where heavy landslides buried several houses, causing deaths. CM Sukhu instructed the administration to accelerate relief and rescue operations and directed BRO officials to restore the damaged road at the earliest. He also inspected the damaged Bhootnath and Bhuntar bridges during the visit.

11 buried under debris in Kullu, landslides hit HP

CHANDIGARH: Around eleven people were buried under heavy debris and mud after a landslide struck Inner Akhara bazaar in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh early Thursday. One body has been recovered, and four injured persons rescued. Search is on for the six others still trapped. The landslide struck two houses in the congested Inner Akhara bazaar locality in Kullu in the early hours while the residents were asleep. Officials from the District Disaster Management Authority, local police, and district administration are supervising the rescue operations despite the inclement weather and terrain. Kulu DC Torul S. Raveesh, said the landslide was triggered by incessant rain. The body of one person has been recovered, and of the four people rescued but injured, three were admitted to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for treatment, and one was referred to the medical college. The search for the remaining six is going on as the rescue teams are clearing the debris, she said. On Wednesday, a separate landslide occurred in the same area, burying two people under debris. Rescue teams have not yet found them, but the search continues. In a grim reminder of the disasters scale, an NDRF jawan, who was buried under debris on Wednesday, was pulled out alive after 24 hours but remains in critical condition. The administration is urging people to remain alert and avoid travel to high-risk zones. Several areas across the state have reported similar incidents, resulting in severe damage to both public infrastructure and private properties. Meanwhile, a landslide in Shimla has resulted in deodar trees falling on houses in the Benmore area, which houses government quarters and bungalows of ministers and judges. The retaining wall, which had collapsed a fortnight back, slid further, causing more damage to the road and endangering the safety of nearby houses. The water level at the Pong Dam on Thursday morning reached 1,394.51 feet, the highest level recorded this year and above the maximum mark of 1,390 feet, for the fifth consecutive day. Army comes to rescue of pregnant woman in Jammu Army personnel walked 18 km at night to rescue a full-term pregnant woman in labour in Jammus Ramkot village. She was airlifted to the military hospital. In another incident, an elderly woman suffering from a cardiac ailment was rescued by the Flood Relief Team of Kharga Sappers from the flood-affected Sammoval village in Punjab.

Himachal rain fury: Landslip in Kullu leaves 1 dead, 6 buried

A total of 1,212 roads are closed in Himachal Pradesh, of which 289 were blocked in Mandi, 231 in Kullu, 211 in Shimla, 192 in Chamba district

MoEFCC seeks four weeks' time to review responses of Uttarakhand, Himachal on protection of Himalayas

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has requested a four-week extension from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to review the responses of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh regarding measures to declare the Higher Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone and ensure its protection. On December 18, 2023, the NGT directed the formation of a Joint Committee to recommend measures for declaring the Higher Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone. The Committee submitted its final report on July 11, 2024, which recommended several measures, including the establishment of early warning systems, strict regulation of construction, promotion of sustainable tourism, afforestation, a ban on single-use plastics, and the involvement of local communities. After the Committee's report, both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh submitted their responses to the NGT, detailing the steps they have already taken in line with the recommendations. The MoEFCC has requested four weeks to review these responses. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on November 28, 2025. The Uttarakhand government outlined the measures it has already implemented. This includes commissioning a carrying capacity study for tourists at Char Dham, which has been awarded to the Wildlife Institute of India, and preparing a master plan for an effective drainage system. Besides, the state has established the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre to manage and reduce landslides effectively. Training programs are also being conducted for local residents on environmental conservation, specifically concerning wildlife (flora and fauna). Himalayas facing the heat with higher temperature prediction, floods & more However, the Uttarakhand government did not provide information regarding the afforestation of degraded slopes or the planting of broad-leaved native trees, such as oaks. In its response, the Himachal Pradesh government noted that it has installed three Doppler radars in Shimla (Kufri), Chamba (Jot), and Mandi (Murari Devi) to predict early warnings for abnormal weather conditions, river flow, and snow melting, which are communicated downstream for better management. Furthermore, the government has set up 48 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG), and Automatic Snow Gauges (ASG) in Community Development Blocks currently lacking these facilities. Additionally, the Himachal Pradesh government stated that it has adopted a policy that allows the construction of hydroelectric projects in the state, following the provisions laid out in this policy. Construction begins only after obtaining technical concurrence for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) from the competent authority. This provision covers all aspects related to geological and geotechnical investigations. Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) are conducted by project developers to implement necessary measures for mitigating any adverse environmental impacts.

One dead, 5 missing as landslides triggered by heavy rains wreak havoc in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: At least nine people were buried under heavy debris and mud after a landslide struck Inner Akhara Bazaar in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh early today. One body has been recovered, three injured persons rescued, and the search for five others is ongoing. The landslide struck around two houses in the congested Inner Akhara Bazaar locality in Kullu early this morning, as residents were asleep, causing widespread panic. Personnel from the District Disaster Management Authority, local police, and district administration are carrying out rescue operations to locate the five people still trapped under the debris. The rescue teams have been working tirelessly, but operations have been hampered due to inclement weather and precarious terrain. Talking to TNIE , Superintendent of Police of Kullu, Kathikeyan Gokulachandran, said that the landslide, triggered by incessant rain, occurred in Inner Akhara Bazaar and buried two to three houses. While the body of one person has been recovered, three critically injured people have been rushed to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for treatment. The search for the remaining five, including three Kashmiri laborers and a woman, is ongoing as rescue teams continue clearing the debris, he said. Yesterday, another landslide occurred in the same area, burying two people under debris. Rescue teams have so far been unable to trace them, despite ongoing search operations. An NDRF jawan who got buried under debris yesterday was pulled out alive after 24 hours but remains in critical condition. The administration has issued warnings to locals in vulnerable areas and urged people to remain alert and avoid travel to high-risk zones. Several areas across the state have reported similar incidents, resulting in severe damage to both public infrastructure and private property. Meanwhile, a landslide in Shimla caused deodar trees to fall on houses in the Benmore area, where government quarters and bungalows of some ministers and judges are situated. The retaining wall, which had collapsed a fortnight ago, slid down, causing further damage to the road and endangering the safety of the houses in the area. Rains batter Himachal: Seven killed as houses buried under landslide; over 1,150 roads closed The water level at the Pong Dam this morning touched 1,394.51 feet, the highest level recorded this year, above the maximum mark of 1,390 feet for the fifth consecutive day. The average inflow was 1,32,595 cusecs, while the actual inflow was 1,07,301 cusecs. The average outflow was 91,167 cusecs. To regulate the rising water level, Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities released 99,769 cusecs downstream, including 74,179 cusecs through the spillway and 16,988 cusecs through turbines. According to the Meteorological Department, Himachal has received 62 per cent more rainfall than normal this season. Against a normal of 632 mm between June 1 and September 3, the state has recorded 921 mm. Shimla district alone has seen 110 per cent excess rainfall, while Kullu registered 107 per cent above normal. Other districts, including Bilaspur, Solan, Una, and Mandi, have also received far higher than average rainfall. As many as 1,286 roads, including six National Highways, remain blocked due to landslides triggered by the heavy downpour, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. The distribution across districts is: 293 in Mandi, 216 in Shimla, 225 in Kullu, 204 in Chamba, 91 in Sirmaur, 71 in Solan, 53 in Kangra, 47 in Lahaul and Spiti, 31 in Bilaspur, 39 in Una, and 4 in Hamirpur. Additionally, 2,809 electricity distribution transformers and 1,081 water supply schemes have been disrupted, affecting power and water supply in many parts of the state. Himachal Pradesh declared disaster-affected state by CM Sukhu

Shimla district suffered Rs 80 cr loss in monsoon disaster: Himachal education minister Rohit Thakur

Tourism in Shimla suffers loss as train services remain suspended

The iconic Kalka-Shimla toy train services remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Wednesday due to multiple landslides and track blockages caused by incessant rainfall across Himachal Pradesh. The Northern Railway has announced that all services on the UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge route will remain suspended until September 5

Rains batter Himachal: 5 dead in house collapses, 1,337 roads closed, schools shut in 3 districts

SHIMLA: Five people were killed in house collapse incidents as torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, blocking 1,337 roads, including four national highways, officials said. The local meteorological office has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy rain in isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts on Wednesday and a yellow alert for heavy rain in Una and Bilaspur districts. In Solan district's Samloh village, a woman died after she was buried under the debris of her house that collapsed following heavy rain late on Monday. The deceased was identified as Hemlata. Her husband, Heem Ram, four children, and her 85-year-old handicapped mother-in-law escaped with minor injuries. In another incident, a man and a woman were rescued from the rubble after their house caved in following rain in Kullu's Dhalpur. The woman later succumbed to her injuries, police said, adding that the details of the deceased were awaited. Officials said that a landslide that occurred near Jangam Bagh BBMB colony in Sundernagar in Mandi district on Tuesday evening claimed three lives -- two women and a child. The deceased have been identified as Bharti (28) and her 2.5-year-old daughter Kirtan. They were rescued and taken to hospital where they were declared dead. One of the bodies is yet to be identified, they said. Two-three more people are feared trapped under the debris, the officials said. The teams of National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force and police are carrying out the rescue operations, Deputy Commissioner Mandi, Apporv Devgan, who was at the spot, told the PTI. All government and private educational institutes, including coaching centres and nursing institutes, in Shimla, Kangra and Sirmaur districts have been ordered to remain shut on Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, in an order issued on Tuesday evening, said Shimla has been experiencing continuous rainfall for the last few days and there was a high possibility of landslides at several locations across the district, according to the latest Geological Survey of India forecast. Teachers and administrative staff are exempted from attending educational institutions, and online classes will be conducted, the order said. In view of an orange warning of heavy rains, educational institutions will remain shut in Kangra and Sirmaur districts, orders issued by the respective deputy commissioners of the two districts said. A vehicle stuck in Manalsu drain, flowing in spate, after heavy monsoon rain, at Manali in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. About nine villages in Manali were cut off after floods in the Manalsu drain, which also obstructed the Manali-Leh route. A landslide behind the Paddal gurdwara area in Mandi town damaged two houses on Monday night. However, no casualties were reported as the residents evacuated on time, the officials said. The two affected families have been shifted to safer locations, while occupants of nearby houses facing similar risks have vacated their homes, they said. An under-construction house was damaged following a landslide in the Anni area of Kullu district. No casualty was reported as the house had already been declared unsafe during the 2023 monsoon disaster and was vacant. As many as 16 families have been asked to vacate their houses after cracks developed in Dadwal village in the Naina Devi area of Bilaspur district, according to the officials. The document verification of shortlisted candidates for the post of constable in Himachal Pradesh Police has been postponed in view of the roads being blocked due to heavy rains. The verification drive that was supposed to be held from September 4 to 9 will now take place from September 24 to 29, a statement issued here said. Of the 1,337 blocked roads, 282 are in Mandi, 255 in Shimla, 239 in Chamba, 205 in Kullu and 140 in Sirmaur district, among others. National Highway 3 (Mandi-Dharampur road), National Highway 305 (Aut-Sainj), National Highway 5 (Old Hindustan-Tibet road) and National Highway 707 (Hatkoti to Poanta) were also blocked, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. The Shimla-Kalka National Highway 5, also known as the Hindustan-Tibet Road, and the Chandigarh-Manali Highway were also obstructed by landslides, causing major inconvenience to commuters. The situation is much severe in the interior regions where link roads have remained blocked, preventing apple producers from transporting their produce to the markets. On Monday, trains plying on the Shimla-Kalka track were cancelled following landslips. Services will remain suspended till September 5, the officials said. Efforts are afoot to send about 5,000 Manimahesh pilgrims stuck in Chamba district back home. Sixteen pilgrims have died since the yatra started on August 15, they said. Naina Devi has received 198.2 mm of rain since Monday evening, the highest in the state. Manali received 89 mm of rainfall, Rohru 80 mm, Mandi 78.2 mm, Dharamshala 76.3 mm, Kukumseri 74.2 mm, Chamba 72 mm, Bhuntar 69.7 mm, Jot 61.2 mm, Nahan 59.7 mm, Baggi 58.5 mm, Keylong and Una 57 mm each, Nadaun 53 mm and Olinda 50 mm. At least 340 people have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents, while 41 are missing since the monsoon began, the SEOC data showed. As many as 2,180 power transformers and 777 water supply schemes were disrupted across the state on Monday, the SEOC said. Since the onset of monsoon in Himachal on June 20, the state has witnessed 95 flash floods, 45 cloudbursts and 121 major landslide incidents. The state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 3,523 crore this monsoon so far, according to official data. 380 tourists evacuated from Sissu, Manimahesh Yatris stranded in Chamba as Himachal reels under heavy rains

HP cops rescue Kulgams missing girl, nab 2

SHIMLA, Sept 2: Himachal Pradesh Police has successfully rescued a missing girl from Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir and apprehended two people, including a woman, for allegedly kidnapping her, police said today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp According to police, on August 13, Ram Singh, a resident of Lahaul and Spiti district, reported the disappearance of his wife Sapna and daughter Adhvika at Udaipur Police Station. On the same day, police received information that Sapnas body was [] The post HP cops rescue Kulgams missing girl, nab 2 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IMD issues red alert for Northwest India

NEW DELHI: In anticipation of extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Northwest India, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi . IMD predicts the rain intensity levels may exceed 210 mm in certain areas over the next three days. It has also predicted an imminent risk of flash floods in several watersheds and neighborhoods of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. Residents are advised to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as severe weather conditions are expected. In Himachal Pradesh, the districts most at risk include Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan. In Uttarakhand, the vulnerable districts are Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi. The plains of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhispecifically Ambala, Panchkula, and Yamunanagarare also threatened by potential flash floods. The IMD has also projected heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, the Gujarat region, and Coastal Karnataka during the first week of September. Furthermore, a fresh low-pressure area is expected to form over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Odisha, and will move across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat over the next 3-4 days. This will likely lead to increased monsoon rainfall in Odisha from September 2 to 4, in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh from September 3 to 5, and in Gujarat and parts of North Maharashtra from September 4 to 7. Due to these dangerous predictions, the IMD has advised fisherfolk to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea from September 1 to 6. Lake burst behind Uttarakhand flash flood, MHA told In the past 24 hours, many areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, West Rajasthan, and Telangana recorded extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 210 mm. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan received between 120-200 mm of rain. The heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding in Punjab, resulting in losses to kharif crops. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and discuss compensation measures. Earlier, the IMD's monthly outlook indicated that the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in September, with a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Typically, the monsoon begins to withdraw in the first week of September and is expected to be fully withdrawn by September 30. The IMD has noted a new trend in September, characterized by more rainfall and a later withdrawal. So far, the country has experienced 6% more rainfall than normal, while the East and Northeast regions have faced approximately 18% below-normal rainfall. In contrast, the Northwest region has been the wettest, with about 27% above-normal rainfall recorded in the first three months of the monsoon. Flash flood strands 189 tourists in Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers

7 dead in Himachal, Uttarakhand landslides, several roads shut

Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed seven lives in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In Himachal Pradesh, five fatalities occurred in Shimla district, disrupting transportation with the cancellation of six Shimla-Kalka trains and closure of 793 roads.

Himachal Pradesh declared disaster-hit; 10,000 pilgrims rescued amid havoc

Shimla: The entire state of Himachal Pradesh has been declared disaster-hit where relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh told the Assembly on Monday. Making a suo motu statement in the House, Sukhu said 10,000 out of the 15,000 pilgrims stranded en route Manimahesh in Chamba district have Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

IMD issues heavy rainfall alert in several parts of Himachal Pradesh

IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh. Property damage and death occurred due to heavy rainfall. DDMA reports disruption of power and water supply in several parts of Shimla city. Residents have shifted to a safer place as weather department has forecasted continuous rainfall in those regions

3 die in Shimla in house collapse, landslide; rain red alert for 2 days, 5 national highways shut

SHIMLA, Sept 1: Three people, including a 35-year-old man and his daughter, were killed overnight in two separate incidents of landslides in Shimla as heavy rain pounded the state in several places. Shimla district, which has received 115.8 mm of rain since Sunday evening, has been the worst-hit. Six trains playing on the Shimla-Kalka track have been cancelled following landslips, and 793 roads are closed in the state. The local Met office on Monday issued a red alert, warning of [] The post 3 die in Shimla in house collapse, landslide; rain red alert for 2 days, 5 national highways shut appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

20 tourists from Kerala stranded in Kalpa after landslide hits Himachal

KOCHI: A trip to Spiti, in Himachal Pradesh, has turned nightmarish for a group of 20 tourists from Kerala. The holidaymakers, including five from other states, are stranded in Kalpa, 216km from Spiti, with roads blocked or washed away in landslides following heavy rains in the state . The group, which reached Spiti on August 25, has sought help to reach Shimla, from where they would be able to continue their journey to Delhi and then home. Jisan Sam Oommen, a member of the group and a social media influencer, said, The main issue is the absence of hospitals nearby. Some of the members are at the risk of running out of everyday medicines. Kalpa is remote village with no medical facility. In the event of an emergency, we will have no one to rely on, Jisan, who is from Kochi, told TNIE. The group, comprising friends and acquaintances from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, had visited Spiti and was on its way to Delhi to catch the flight back home when the landslides struck. We had left our accommodation in Kalpa and travelled nearly 50km when we were told that a landslide had washed away the road ahead. We were notified by locals that it would be wise to stay in Kalpa. So we returned to our hotel and have been staying there since, he added. Himachal's Bada Bhangal village cut off after Kalihani river changes course due to landslides Jisan said that three members of the group are from Tamil Nadu and two from Rajkot, in Gujarat, besides the 20 from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kasaragod, and Malappuram districts. One member of our group has been dependent on ambulance support throughout the journey. With rains persisting and more landslides reported, we have no idea when the roads will be cleared. He added that BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Shone George had called them and assured help. Himachal govt to evacuate 3,000 stranded Manimahesh pilgrims amid heavy rains and landslides

Trucks parked outside Apple Mandi add to chaos on Shimla highway

10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 6,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster

CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 6,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 5,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster

CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 5,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

NHAI begins emergency repairs on KiratpurPandohKulluManali highway after flood damage

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated urgent restoration efforts on the KiratpurPandohKulluManali corridor in Himachal Pradesh after the highway sustained severe damage due to flash floods and cloudbursts in Mandi and Kullu districts. On Friday, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials and field officers from the Shimla Regional Office to assess the damage and begin immediate restoration and improvement works on National Highway 21. The central government has allocated 100 crore for short-term restoration activities. Restoration work will target 10 locations on the KulluManali section that were completely washed away and five other sites that were partially damaged by torrential rains, cutting off Manali from the rest of the state. Alternate routes managed by the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) have also been damaged and are currently open only to light vehicles. NHAI has decided to extend financial assistance to the state PWD for immediate repairs and maintenance of PWD roads currently being used for diverted highway traffic, said officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Inaccessible areas will be temporarily restored to re-establish connectivity, and sufficient funds have been sanctioned to the NHAIs Shimla office for urgent work. The highways maintenance contractor has been mobilised, and emergency repairs are being carried out on a war footing. In parallel, NHAI is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for permanent restoration of flood-damaged stretches on the KiratpurPandohManali section. Long-term solutions under consideration include the construction of tunnels, elevated road structures, and slope stabilisation measures. Officials confirmed that in addition to the 100 crore sanctioned for immediate rectification, steps are being taken to implement durable and resilient infrastructure across the affected sections.

Himachal Flash Floods: 310 Dead, Over Rs 2600 Crore Lost; IMD Issues Red Alert

Himachal Pradesh faces severe rainfall disaster with 310 deaths since June 20, major damage in Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, and Shimla.

Himachal rains: Govt buildings, bridges washed away by flash floods

Shimla: As rains wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, officials said flash floods in River Ravi have washed away several government buildings at the remote Bada Bangal village in Kangra district. However, no loss of life has been reported, they said. A primary and high school, the panchayat ghar, an ayurvedic dispensary and a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Four dead in land slides as flash floods in Ravi river wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh

CHANDIGARH: Flash floods in the Ravi river have caused massive destruction in Himachal Pradesh, washing away schools, panchayat buildings, bridges, and other key infrastructure in Kangra and Chamba districts. Several villages have been cut off, while separate landslides have claimed four lives and left two others injured. In Bada Bhangal, a remote Kangra village located between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, floodwaters have swept away the panchayat ghar, government primary and high school buildings, civil supplies store, Ayurvedic dispensary, and two bridges. Stocks of ration and medicines stored in these buildings were also lost. Sarpanch Mansa Ram Bhangalia said in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra that the floods on August 26 have left the village facing imminent danger. Speaking to TNIE, he demanded an aerial survey under the Baijnath SDM and immediate relief measures. Kinnaur Kailash Yatra suspended, one pilgrim dead, 1196 rescued after cloudburst triggers flash flood in Himachal More than 300 residents are stranded in the village, while at least 150 shepherds and hundreds of goats, sheep and cattle are marooned on high pastures, he said. Any delay in providing relief could worsen the crisis as residents face acute shortages of food and medicines. He warned that many houses are at risk of collapsing due to severe erosion as the Ravi has washed away a five-kilometre stretch of land and even altered its course. Both trekking routes to the village, Thamsar Pass (4,654 m) and Kalihani Pass (4,800 m), have been rendered impassable, cutting off access. Bada Bhangal, inhabited mainly by the Gaddi community, remains one of the last strongholds of Himalayan pastoralism. The village is accessible only through a three-day foot trek, which typically closes after October snowfall, isolating it for nearly six months every year. Four died in landslides in Chamba Meanwhile, in Haloon village of Chamba district, a major portion was submerged after the Ravi swelled. At least nine houses were washed away, and several others are under threat. Luckily, all families were evacuated in time, preventing casualties. However, four people died in separate landslides in Chamba in the past 24 hours. In Basodhan panchayat, a brother and sister were buried under debris after stepping out to watch a landslide near their home. In Bhimla panchayat, four women working near their houses were hit by boulderstwo died on the spot, while two were critically injured. Authorities said more than 50 houses in Dalhousie are at risk, with electricity, water supply, and mobile connectivity cut off for two days. Another cloudburst hit Himachals Mandi; traffic disrupted on Chandigarh-Manali highway Elsewhere, Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul-Spiti remain cut off for the third consecutive day. Both the Kiratpur-Manali highway and the Manali-Leh highway have been severely damaged, leaving a large number of tourists stranded. Several portions of these highways have collapsed or been swept away. As of this morning, 534 roads, including one national highway, remain closed across the state. These include 216 in Mandi, 166 in Kullu, 65 in Kangra, 28 in Shimla, 20 in Una, 17 in Solan, 11 in Bilaspur, and 6 in Sirmaur. The State Emergency Operation Centre also reported disruptions to 1,184 power transformers and 503 water supply schemes.

Heavy rains cut off Kullu, Manali and Lahaul-Spiti; 687 roads closed, IMD issues red alert in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Due to heavy rains triggering landslides and floods, Kullu, Manali and Lahaul-Spiti have been completely cut off from the rest of Himachal Pradesh for the second consecutive day. The KiratpurManali national highway and the ManaliLeh national highway have been badly damaged at multiple places. A total of 687 roads and three national highways across the state are either blocked or washed away by swollen rivers, nullahs and landslides. The KiratpurManali national highway has been washed away in several stretches between Mandi and Manali due to torrential rains and flash floods, with large portions of the road completely destroyed in places. The ManaliLeh highway, a vital link to Lahaul-Spiti, Leh and Ladakh, has also been severely damaged beyond Manali towards Keylong. As a result, thousands of travellers are stranded in Lahaul, Kullu-Manali and Mandi, with an estimated 2,000 vehicles stuck at various locations. Meanwhile, a suspension bridge on Gajj Khud at Kalasai in the Shahpur area of Kangra district has been washed away. The bridge, built in the 1990s, collapsed within minutes under the force of gushing waters, cutting off connectivity for several villages including Bhitlu, Daihda, Kotla, Maniyana and Kut. Authorities have cautioned that full restoration of highway connectivity, especially in stretches where roads have been entirely washed away, may take a few more days. As of this morning, 687 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 319 are in Mandi district, 131 in Kullu, 56 in Shimla, 54 in Sirmaur, 34 in Kangra, 30 in Una, 27 in Solan, 19 in Bilaspur and 17 in Hamirpur, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. In addition, 2,349 power transformers and 234 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state. The IMD has issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts due to continuing heavy rainfall.

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Heavy rainfall triggers closure of schools and colleges in Shimla

The authorities have closed schools, colleges, and other institutes following heavy rainfall in the state that has triggered landslides, tree collapses, and roads blocks. The IMD has issued red alerts for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts, warning of extreme rainfall, lightning, and flooding

Heavy rain batters Himachal: Roads closed, restaurant washed away in Manali; locals evacuated in Mandi

CHANDIGARH: Heavy rains have triggered landslides and swollen rivers and streams, disrupting road connectivity in several parts of Himachal Pradesh. The downpour has caused extensive damage to the KiratpurManali National Highway at multiple locations, forcing its closure to traffic. Several other roads and a restaurant were swept away in Manali while locals were evacuated in Mandi. Almost all districts in the hill state, except Lahaul and Spiti, have been receiving rainfall since Sunday night, with no respite expected until September 1. District administrations have ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Chamba, Kangra, Una, and Lahaul and Spiti. As per official directives, all government and private schools and colleges including DIET, Anganwadi centres, degree colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, and engineering and pharmacy colleges will also remain shut in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and the Kullu sub-divisions of Banjar, Kullu, and Manali. Sources said the KiratpurManali National Highway has been blocked at multiple critical points after landslides occurred at Dwada and Jhalogi in Mandi district. Near Bindu Dhank, close to Manali, a large section of the highway was washed away by the flooded Beas River, severely affecting road connectivity and completely disrupting traffic between Mandi and Manali. Efforts are underway to assess and repair the damaged stretches of the highway. Authorities have advised road users to avoid non-essential travel and refrain from attempting to cross blocked or waterlogged areas. Restoration work will begin once conditions stabilise and debris from landslides is cleared. As a precaution, the Manali district administration evacuated residents from the Bahang and Alu Ground areas late last night. In a timely rescue, one person trapped in a building in the Alu Ground locality was safely evacuated after sudden flooding. Officials have urged locals and tourists to stay away from riverbanks for the next 24 hours, warning that the situation remains volatile. The water level in the Beas and its tributaries continues to rise due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Public safety is our top priority, a government spokesperson said. The river is flowing above the danger mark in both Mandi and Kullu, raising concerns for residents in low-lying areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall, lightning, and thunderstorms in Chamba, Mandi, and Kangra districts. A yellow alert is in place for the next two days, followed by an orange alert for heavy rainfall until September 1. The severe weather poses risks of flash floods and landslides, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant. Since last nights downpour, the Beas River and its tributaries have swollen dangerously, triggering emergency evacuations and rescue operations. Emergency services, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are on standby. The state has been reeling under incessant rainfall over the last few weeks, which has caused widespread damage to life and property. As of Monday morning, 687 roads, including three national highways, remained closed to traffic. Of these, 319 were shut in Mandi district, 131 in Kullu, 56 in Shimla, 54 in Sirmaur, and 27 in Solan, according to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre. In addition, 2,349 power supply transformers and 234 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state.

Flash Floods, Landslides Batter Himachal; Red Alert Issued

Shimla, Aug 26: Shops were washed away, buildings collapsed, highways were cut off and residential areas were inundated as heavy rain triggered fresh landslides and flash floods at several places in Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday. No loss of life was reported in any of the incidents that have occurred since Monday night, they [] The post Flash Floods, Landslides Batter Himachal; Red Alert Issued appeared first on Northlines .

Monsoon Fury: Landslides, Flash Floods Leave Trail Of Destruction In Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Aug 26: Shops were washed away, buildings collapsed, highways were cut off and residential areas were inundated as heavy rain triggered fresh landslides and flash floods at several places in Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday. No loss of life was reported in any of the incidents that have occurred since Monday night, they said. The local meteorological office has issued a red alert, warning of intense to very intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra, Chamba, [] The post Monsoon Fury: Landslides, Flash Floods Leave Trail Of Destruction In Himachal Pradesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Three pilgrims die during Manimahesh Yatra; heavy rain forces closure of schools, roads in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Three pilgrims died during the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh during the trek reportedly due to lack of oxygen. The yatra has been suspended, as this year so far 14 pilgrims have died. Due to moderate to very heavy rainfall disrupting normal life, schools and colleges in eight out of 12 districts were closed. Additionally, 685 roads, including three national highways, remained shut for traffic. Sources said the deceased have been identified as Aman and Rohit, both 18 years old from Pathankot, and Anmol (26) from Gurdaspur in Punjab. Their bodies are being brought to Bharmour for post-mortem. Teams from the Mountaineering Training Institute and the NDRF have been deployed to bring the bodies, after which they will be handed over to their families. While Aman was rescued from Kamal Kund but succumbed at Gaurikund, Rohit collapsed on the Kugti track and Anmol died at Dhanchho. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has forced authorities to temporarily suspend the yatra. Devotees have been advised to stay at safe locations until weather conditions improve. The yatra, which began on August 17 and is scheduled to conclude on September 15, has been badly hit by adverse weather. So far, 14 pilgrims have died this year due to oxygen shortage, landslides and falling rocks. Additional District Magistrate, Bharmaur, Kuldeep Singh Rana, said that in view of the rains and landslides, the Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended. Due to the heavy rains, normal life was disrupted across the state, prompting authorities to close schools and colleges in eight of 12 districts. All government and private educational institutes, including schools and colleges (except the residential ones), were shut in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Una and Solan districts. As a precautionary measure, all government and private educational and technical institutes, colleges, universities and anganwadis (except residential ones) will remain closed on Monday, stated the order issued by Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa. Meanwhile, 685 roads, including three national highways, remained closed for traffic. Out of these, 321 were blocked in Mandi district, 102 in adjoining Kullu and 82 in Chamba. National highway-3 (Mandi-Dharampur road), NH-154 (Mandi-Jogindernagar road) and NH-305 (Aut-Sainj) were also closed, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. Additionally, 533 power supply transformers and 168 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the state. Between June 20 and August 24, at least 155 people have died in Himachal Pradesh in rain-related incidents, while 37 remain missing. The state has witnessed 77 flash floods, 40 cloudbursts and 80 major landslides so far. Losses due to rain-related incidents have been pegged at Rs 2,348 crore, according to the SEOC. The local meteorological office sounded a red alert predicting intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra and Chamba districts and urged people to stay cautious. The MeT also issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rain for isolated parts of the state and a yellow alert of heavy rain across Himachal till August 31. There were also reports of the season's first snow at Shipkila in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district. Thunderstorms lashed Shimla, Sundernagar, Kangra, Palampur, Jot, Murari Devi and Bhuntar, the MeT said. The state received 703.7 mm of average rainfall during the current monsoon season (June 1 to August 25) against an average of 577.9 mm an excess of 22 per cent. In August alone, the state has so far recorded 44 per cent excess rain.

Heavy rains disrupt normal life in Himachal, schools closed in 8 districts

SHIMLA, Aug 25: Moderate to very heavy rain disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, prompting the closure of schools and colleges in eight out of 12 districts, while 685 roads, including three national highways, remained closed for traffic. The local meteorological office sounded a red alert predicting intense spells of rain at isolated places in Kangra and Chamba districts on Monday and asked people to stay cautious. It also issued an orange warning of heavy to very [] The post Heavy rains disrupt normal life in Himachal, schools closed in 8 districts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Shimla to fit stray dogs with GPS-enabled collars, track vaccination status digitally in a 'first-of -its-kind initiative

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'Track stray dogs behaviour with GPS collars, QR codes': Shimla launches massive drive; move comes day after SCs major order

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Heavy rain closes 339 roads in Himachal, including NH-305

Shimla: Several roads, including one national highway, are closed in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to lash several parts of the state, officials said on Saturday. Of the 339 roads closed, 162 roads are in Mandi district and 106 in the adjoining Kullu. National Highway 305 (Aut to Sainj) was also closed, the State Emergency Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Meet Sahher Bambba, GenZ rising star, set to appear in Aryan Khan's The Bads of Bollywood

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Himachal: Death toll climbs to 263, Shimla-Mandi NH cut off

Shimla, Aug 18: The monsoon death toll in Himachal Pradesh has mounted to 263 as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across the state. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), two fresh fatalities were reported yesterday in separate road mishaps in Chamba and Kangra districts. Authorities said that nearly 397 roads, [] The post Himachal: Death toll climbs to 263, Shimla-Mandi NH cut off appeared first on Northlines .

Himachal: Multiple flash floods in Mandi after heavy rains, Kiratpur-Manali NH blocked

Shimla, Aug 17: Heavy downpour in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district triggered landslides and flash floods, with debris entering many houses in Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain areas. No loss of life has been reported in the flash floods. Rescue operations are underway in the district at multiple locations. Teams have been deployed to the affected areas and people have been advised to stay away from rivers and streams. The 4-lane Kiratpur-Manali National Highway is blocked due to waterlogging. Many streams and [] The post Himachal: Multiple flash floods in Mandi after heavy rains, Kiratpur-Manali NH blocked appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Another cloudburst hit Himachals Mandi; traffic disrupted on Chandigarh-Manali highway

CHANDIGARH: Another massive cloudburst was reported at the Takoli area over Shalanal Nala in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, resulted in water and debris flooding Kiratpur-Manali national highway and disrupting the traffic on the Shimla-Mandi highway. The cloudburst during the early hours on Sunday, causing destruction of private and government infrastructures. No casualties have been reported in the fresh cloudburst so far. Residents, tourists, and workers have been strictly advised to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks during this period. Apart from these, the boundary walls of some government offices and several houses were damaged badly. The wall of an infrastructure firm was also collapsed and employees ran for their lives, but no casualties were reported. The highway was also blocked at Jhalogi between Mandi and Kullu, with authorities estimating four to five hours for restoration. Mandi police have deployed teams to clear the route, while the alternative Kataula-Kamand road remains partially affected. 31 killed in 51 events of cloudburst, flash flood in Himachal Pradesh since onset of monsoon In another incident, the Shimla-Mandi highway near Tattapani has sunk into the Sutlej river, leaving only a 4.2-meter-wide stretch passable. Authorities have restricted traffic movement as continuous rainfall worsens the situation. Meanwhile, the Pong Dam in Kangra district reached 1,379.98 feet, prompting the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release 57,221 cusecs of waterthe highest discharge this monsoon. Of this, 17,620 cusecs were released through turbines and 39,601 cusecs via spillways. The dams inflow surged to 1,09,789 cusecs due to heavy rains in catchment areas. With the danger level marked at 1,390 feet, BBMB has alerted Kangra and Hoshiarpur administrations, as low-lying areas face submersion risks. In Mand Bhograwan village, rising Beas river waters have submerged acres of farmland and threatened homes, forcing over 100 families to evacuate. A multi-storey house stands on the verge of collapse, with authorities shifting residents to safer locations. Tributaries like Dehar Khud, Dehri Khud and Buhal Khud are in spate, compounding the crisis. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Solan, and Sirmaur districts, predicting heavy rains, while Shimla, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti are under a yellow alert. With more rainfall expected, officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel and stay alert for updates. Himachal Pradesh to install 48 weather stations for enhanced rainfall and cloudburst warnings Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts & ravaging rain fury

Pickup truck falls into gorge in Himachal; 4 pilgrims from Punjab killed, 25 injured

SHIMLA: Four people from Punjab were killed and around 25 injured when a pickup truck they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge near Jadrangal in Kangra district, police said on Friday. The vehicle was carrying pilgrims who were returning to Punjab's Moga from Mata Chamunda Devi temple in Kangra when it lost control on Chamunda-Dharamshala road near Ikku Mod and fell into the gorge, they said. A woman died on the spot while leaving the others injured. Police reached the spot when they got information about the accident and began rescue operations. The injured were rushed to Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Tanda where three others succumbed to their injuries. The rest are receiving treatment in the hospital. Kiran (35), Sukhjinder Singh (35), Jagsir Singh (38) and Paramjeet Kaur (35), all residents of Bhagike village in Moga district, died in the accident. Police officials said a case has been registered and further investigations are underway.

Himachal Pradesh flash floods: Army rescues four stranded civilians in Kinnaur

SHIMLA: The Army rescued four people, including one injured, after flash floods hit parts of Himachal Pradesh, an official statement issued on Thursday said. The flash floods triggered by a cloudburst hit the higher reaches of Rishi Dogri valley in Kinnaur district on Wednesday evening and the bridge across the Sutlej river was inundated. The site was an active road construction zone under CPWD towards Gangthang Bralam, the Army said. On receiving an urgent request from the superintendent of police, Kinnaur, the Army immediately mobilised a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column. Braving darkness, fast currents and unstable terrain, the team reached the location and discovered four civilians stranded on the far bank of the river, the statement said. Working with precision under challenging conditions, the HADR team illuminated the general area to aid night rescue operations and guided the stranded civilians to higher and safer places. The team also evacuated the injured individual and admitted him to Regional Hospital, Reckong Peo, it said. The Army said new generation equipment, including the Logistics Drone High Altitude (LDHA) system, was used to ferry essential items, such as eatables and coconut water, across the floodwaters to help sustain the stranded individuals through the night. It said the rescued civilians were taken to the Army camp in Pooh. Plans are in place to bring the stranded individuals back to the home bank once the water recedes.

IMD issues red alert for flash floods, cloudburst risk in Uttarakhand, week after Dharali disaster

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert, cautioning against an imminent threat of flash floods across the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim in eastern India, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south and some parts of Maharashtra. It has asked people to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as nature prepares to unleash fury. IMDs caution applies to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal and Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi districts in Uttarakhand. The weather office has alerted the Himalayan states, including the Jammu region, of extremely heavy rainfall up to 210 mm in the next day and heavy rain in the next 6-7 days. Satellite imagery shows scattered to broken intense convective clouds over Uttarakhand and also around Uttarkashi, which may cause cloudburst-induced flash floods. Uttarakhand cloudburst-hit Dharali villagers seek Kedarnath-style rebuild, relocation to nearby sites Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim of east India, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, east and north Telangana and Maharashtras Marathwada region may also witness low to moderate flash flood risk. In its bulletin, the IMD said inundation may occur at some saturated soils and low-lying areas over the regions of concern. The IMD has warned of hefty rainfall in west-central India adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra and south Odisha coasts due to the emergence of a low-pressure area along the Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Karnataka are more likely to receive hefty rainfall from August 13 to 17. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea between August 13 and 18. A similar advice relates to areas along and off the Sri Lankan coast, along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, and the Odisha coast during the same period. Blockbuster monsoon likely in the second fortnight of August, said Debashish Jena, researcher and agrometeorologist at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand. Experts blame decades of deodar tree felling for worsening Uttarkashi cloudburst

Cloudbursts, flash floods in Himachal; 325 roads closed; very heavy rain warning in 3 districts

Himachal Pradesh faced nature's fury. Bridges collapsed in Shimla, Lahaul, and Spiti. Cloudbursts and flash floods caused widespread damage. Over 300 roads closed, disrupting travel. A police post swept away, shops damaged. No casualties reported yet. Orange alert issued for more heavy rain. The state has suffered significant financial losses this monsoon. Many people have died in rain-related incidents.

Blindfolds, Tied Hands, Pizza & Paranthas: Shimla School Kid Recounts Kidnap Ordeal

After locking the children on his fourth floor, Sumit Sood bought them pizza, let them use the washroom, and later served Maggi in an apparent attempt to keep them calm

'Not The Original Targets': Behind The Kidnap Of Minister's Nephew Near Elite Shimla School

The kidnapped boys were from prominent families with one from Karnal, another the nephew of Punjab Minister Harjot Bains, and the third the great-grandson of an ex-MLA from Kullu

Three Class 6 Students Went Missing In Shimla During School Outing, Found A Day Later

The boys, all Class 6 students, disappeared during a routine weekend outing, leading to a large-scale search.

3 Missing Shimla Boarding School Students Found, Kidnapper Arrested: Cops

Three class 6 students of a boys' boarding school in Shimla were recovered from a house in Chaithla village of Kotkhai area here on Sunday, a day after they went missing during a day out.

Three Shimla boarding school students who went missing found: Police

Parents of the missing children have been informed and a search for the students of the private school is underway, police said

Three Class VI students in Shimla have gone missing; Parents receive threatening calls from US number

CHANDIGARH: Three Class VI students of one of the countrys most prestigious and oldest boarding schools in Shimla have gone missing since yesterday when they went out for their regular weekly outing. The parents allegedly received threatening calls from a US-based number. Sources said the three missing students have been identified as Vedansh Bharti from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, Angad Lather from Karnal in Haryana, and Hitender Singh from Mohali in Punjab. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the New Shimla Police Station on charges of kidnapping of minor children under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A police official said that a case has been registered on the basis of the complaint submitted by the school principal, in which he stated that the three students had moved out of the school on the outing day towards Mall Road in Shimla but did not return before the scheduled time. The boys left the school at 12.09 pm on Saturday and did not return by 5 pm. The police have now deployed drone mapping of the entire area, and the last known location of the students was near the school. The CCTV footage of the area is also being scanned for other vital clues. Witnesses confirmed that they saw the students at different locations on Mall Road, Shimla, said sources. Sources claimed that the parents of the missing children have been informed and have reached Shimla. A search for the students of the private school is underway. According to the information, all the parents of the missing students had allegedly received a threatening phone call yesterday evening from a US-based number claiming that their children were in the custody of dangerous people. The families of all the three students are politically well connected, said an official.

Three Class 6 Students Missing from Shimla Boarding School

Police launch search, scan CCTV, and monitor city exits after boys fail to return from weekend outing

Monsoon Fury: 362 Roads Closed in Himachal Due to Landslides, Flash Floods

The Met office in Shimla has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the state on Sunday

HP: 5 of family among 6 killed as car falls into gorge in Chamba

SHIMLA, Aug 8: Six people, including five of a family, were killed on the spot when their car fell 500 metres down into a gorge in Himachals Chamba district, police said on Friday. The accident happened near Chanvas in Tissa subdivision of Chamba district when a government school teacher was returning home from Banikhet along [] The post HP: 5 of family among 6 killed as car falls into gorge in Chamba appeared first on Northlines .

5 Of Family Among 6 Killed As Car Falls Into Gorge In Himachals Chamba

SHIMLA, Aug 8: Six people, including five of a family, were killed on the spot when their car fell 500 metres down into a gorge in Himachals Chamba district, police said on Friday. The accident happened near Chanvas in Tissa subdivision of Chamba district when a government school teacher was returning home from Banikhet along with his family members. As per preliminary investigations, a falling rock hit the vehicle following which the vehicle fell into the gorge. They were about [] The post 5 Of Family Among 6 Killed As Car Falls Into Gorge In Himachals Chamba appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Five of family among six killed as car falls into gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba

SHIMLA: Six people, including five of a family, were killed on the spot when their car fell 500 metres down into a gorge in Himachal's Chamba district, police said on Friday. The accident happened near Chanvas in Tissa subdivision of Chamba district when a government school teacher was returning home from Banikhet along with his family members. As per preliminary investigations, a falling rock hit the vehicle following which the vehicle fell into the gorge. They were about a kilometre away from their house when the car plunged into the gorge. The villagers rushed to the spot as soon as the heard the screams and immediately informed the police and started the rescue operations. Rajesh, a teacher in Banikhet, his wife Hanso (36) his son, Deepak (15), and daughter, Aarti (17), brother-in-law, Hemraj, and another person the family gave lift to in their car died in the accident. The accident took place around 9:30 on Thursday night and it took almost six hours to recover the bodies. A case has been registered and further investigations are underway, police said.

Kinnaur Kailash Yatra suspended, 413 devotees rescued after cloudburst triggers flash flood in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Himachal Pradesh has been suspended, and nearly 413 stranded devotees were rescued and evacuated in a nine-hour operation after a cloudburst triggered a flash flood that washed away a large part of the trekking path, including makeshift bridges at Tanglippi and Kangarang. The pilgrims currently on the route have been safely sheltered at Milling Khata and Gufa, and all necessary arrangements have been made for their safety. Most of the trekking paths have either become dangerously slippery or have been hit by landslides, posing a serious threat to the safety of pilgrims. In view of these adverse conditions, the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra is being temporarily suspended until further notice, stated an official order. Sources said that the rescue operation, which started last night, successfully rescued all pilgrims who were trapped on different sides of the mountain and were unable to cross the river. The devotees were rescued using the rope-based traverse crossing technique. In this method, the pilgrims were attached to ropes and safely brought to the other side of the river, then shifted to safer locations. A 34-member Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team, in coordination with a 14-member team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), was mobilised, and the search and rescue operation was launched after a distress call was made by the Kinnaur district administration, said an official. Sources said that on Thursday morning, the authorities informed the ITBP that more pilgrims were stranded at other locations, after which additional rescue teams were mobilised. ITBP wrote on X, Responding to the requisition from DC Kinnaur, #ITBP has deployed a rescue team under AC/GD Sameer with mountaineering and RRC equipment after two makeshift bridges on the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route were washed away due to incessant rains, leaving several yatris stranded. Kinnaur Kailash, considered to be the winter residence of Lord Shiva, is located at an altitude of 19,850 feet. The yatra began on July 15 and was scheduled to continue till August 30. Meanwhile, educational institutions including schools, colleges, and anganwadis were closed in Sunni, Kumarsein, Chopal, Dodra Kwar, Jubbal, Theog, and Rampur subdivisions of Shimla district; Karsog and Sundernagar in Mandi district; Nirmand in Kullu district; and some subdivisions in Solan district. Several schools in Shimla city announced holidays or switched to online classes. Additionally, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH 21), Old Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 05), Mandi-Dharampur (NH 3), and Aut-Sainj road (NH 305) were closed for vehicular traffic following landslides. The Shimla-Kalka National Highway, which was blocked at Chakki Mor near Koti in Solan district, has since been opened for vehicular movement. Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) officials cautioned the public about disruptions in water supply for the next two to three days due to high turbidity at the source. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 617 roads including four national highways were cut off on Wednesday (August 6, 2025). Of these, 377 are in Mandi district, which was recently battered by cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods, and 90 are in Kullu district.

Heavy rain, landslides cut off over 600 roads in Himachal; schools closed in four districts

Shimla, Aug 6: Heavy rain led to the closure of 617 roads, including four national highways, and educational institutions in parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, officials said. The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra was suspended as the rain on Tuesday night left behind a trail of destruction along the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra route, they said. Moderate to heavy rain continued to lash parts of the state. Kasauli has received 145 mm of rain since Tuesday night, Dharampur 122.8 mm, Gohar 120 [] The post Heavy rain, landslides cut off over 600 roads in Himachal; schools closed in four districts appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal Rains: Schools, colleges shut in Shimla's six sub-divisions as IMD warns of rainfall

Himachal Pradesh faces heavy rainfall. The IMD forecasts more intense rainfall in several districts. Schools are closed in six subdivisions due to the weather. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway is also closed. Sadly, 194 deaths have been reported during the monsoon season. The state has suffered significant financial losses. The SDMA reports 108 deaths directly related to rain.

Himachal rains: 453 roads blocked across state, total loss touches Rs 1,700 crore

CHANDIGARH: Heavy downpour since Monday evening triggered widespread landslides and flooding across Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, blocking the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway and several other roads and disrupting day to day life. A total of 453 roads including four national highways closed across the state. Till now, 192 persons have lost their lives in landslides, cloudbursts, flashfloods and 301 are injured. The total loss caused by flashfloods and torrential rain in the state has touched Rs 1,753.63 crore. As per the state emergency operation centre, as on Tuesday morning, 449 roads and four national highways were blocked across the state. Of these, 318 roads and three national highways are in Mandi district, 67 roads and one national highways in Kullu district, 23 roads in Kangra district, 22 roads in Sirmour district, ten roads in Una district, four each in Bilaspur and Chamba districts and one in Shimla. Additionally, 753 electricity transformers have been damaged and 276 water supply schemes disrupted. The Public Works Department suffered a loss of Rs 880 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department at Rs 618 crore, horticulture sector Rs 27.43 crore and the agriculture sector Rs 11.45 crore. Sources said that the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked at many places due to landslides and continuous shooting stones. Also, the alternate road via KataulaKamand is blocked due to similar conditions. Not only these important roads, the Mandi-Dharampur highway via Kotli is blocked near Kainchi Mod and Mandi-Jogindernagar highway is also impassable. The Mandi-Rewalsar road near Lohardi has been blocked as several link roads in different parts of the district have reported landslides and water logging. Due to incessant rains, the Beas River and its tributaries are on the verge of flooding low-lying regions. Due to water logging in the Balh area of Mandi the movement of public and emergency services has further complicated. The district administration has launched extensive restoration efforts but due to persistent rainfall and unstable terrain these efforts have been hampered. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and regular updates are expected as conditions evolve. Meanwhile, road users are being urged to strictly follow the instructions issued by local authorities and on-ground personnel. Mandi Police have issued public advisories urging residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from riversides and landslide-prone zones. Emergency response teams are on alert and restoration machinery has been deployed to clear debris and reopen the affected routes. The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rainfall for the next few hours, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. An orange alert for heavy rain in Una, Bilaspur and Kangra districts and a yellow alert for heavy rain in Sirmaur, Mandi and Hamirpur districts on August 5 have been issued.

HP: 2 NH among 307 roads closed; Orange alert issued

Shimla, August 3: Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash parts of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the closure of 307 roads, including two national highways on Sunday, officials said. The local Meteorological office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the state on Monday and Tuesday. Since [] The post HP: 2 NH among 307 roads closed; Orange alert issued appeared first on Northlines .

Himachal: 2 NH Among 307 Roads Closed, Orange Alert For Very Heavy Rains

Shimla, August 3 (PTI) Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash parts of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the closure of 307 roads, including two national highways on Sunday, officials said. The local Meteorological office has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the state on Monday and Tuesday. Since Saturday evening, several regions have experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, with Bharari recording 108.2 mm, followed by Murari Devi with 82 mm, Naina Devi [] The post Himachal: 2 NH Among 307 Roads Closed, Orange Alert For Very Heavy Rains appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Terrifying Video Shows Bulldozer Falling 300 Metres Into Gorge In Shimla Amid Rain | Watch

A bulldozer accident in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, killed the driver after the vehicle tumbled down a mountainside amid severe monsoon rains causing widespread damage.

Bulldozer Falls 300 Metres Into Gorge In Rain-Battered Shimla, Driver Dead

A bulldozer met with an accident while it was opening a road in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, sending it tumbling down the mountain-side.

Himachal Pradesh: Monsoon-related death toll rises to 173

Himachal Pradesh faced a tough monsoon. Ninety-five people died due to rain-related incidents between June 20 and July 31. Landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts caused many deaths. Road accidents also claimed seventy-eight lives. Mandi, Shimla, and Solan reported the most road accident deaths. The State Disaster Management Authority monitors the situation.

Rains lash parts of Himachal; Kinnar Kailash Yatra suspended

SHIMLA, Jul 30 : Moderate to very heavy rains lashed parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, triggering landslides at several places and forcing authorities to suspend the Kinnar Kailash Yatra in Kinnaur district. However, no casualties were reported due to the landslides, officials said, adding that some vehicles were buried in Kullu district. On Wednesday, a total of 289 roads were closed in the state, they said. The Kinnaur district administration on Wednesday suspended the Kinnar Kailash Yatra following [] The post Rains lash parts of Himachal; Kinnar Kailash Yatra suspended appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

5 Killed As Rains Lash Parts Of North India; Flash Floods Again Wreak Havoc In Himachals Mandi

New Delhi/Shimla, Jul 29: At least five people were killed over the past 24 hours and several national highways were closed as heavy rains lashed parts of north India, including Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. In Himachals Mandi, flash floods triggered by a cloudburst created havoc on Monday night, killing three people and burying more than 20 vehicles, officials said on Tuesday. In the national capital, severe traffic snarls and widespread waterlogging disrupted movement across the city on Tuesday after heavy [] The post 5 Killed As Rains Lash Parts Of North India; Flash Floods Again Wreak Havoc In Himachals Mandi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Photos: Flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachals Mandi

Shimla: Flash flood triggered by cloud burst wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi town on Monday night, killing three people, burying more than 20 vehicles and inundating several houses, officials said on Tuesday. Mandi received 198.6 mm of rain since Monday evening. The fury of rain was so intense that gushing waters in Sukati nallahs Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Three killed, one missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachals Mandi

SHIMLA, Jul 29: Flash flood triggered by cloud burst wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi town on Monday night, killing three people, burying more than 20 vehicles and inundating several houses, officials said on Tuesday. Mandi received 198.6 mm of rain since Monday evening. The fury of rain was so intense that gushing waters in Sukati nallahs (drains) flowing through the city swept huge mounds of debris which entered several locations in about five-kilometer radius and the worst affected was [] The post Three killed, one missing as flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachals Mandi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal rains: Three dead, one injured as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi

CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one injured missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; three have been confirmed dead, while one person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths

Himachal rains: Two dead, one missing as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi

CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one person has gone missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; the bodies of two persons were recovered, one person is missing, while another person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued, while one missing person is yet to be located. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths

Didnt Bathe For Months, Quenched Thirst Eating Ice: Kargil Braveheart Recalls

Shimla, Jul 26: We did not bathe or shave for three months and on several occasions quenched our thirst by eating ice, recalled braveheart Naik Praveen on the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas Saturday. Praveen, from the 10 JAK Rifles, said that on the evening of May 4, 1999, there were sudden orders to move to the Drass sector with only rifles as the climb was steep. After travelling all night, when we reached our destination the next morning, [] The post Didnt Bathe For Months, Quenched Thirst Eating Ice: Kargil Braveheart Recalls appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ARTRAC commemorates26 years of victory in Kargil War

The commemorative events of Kargil Vijay Diwas were inaugurated in a solemn ceremony by Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, Shimla

Kolkata Diary | 8th anti-submarine ship rolls out of Garden Reach

Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has released the eighth and last ship in a series of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) built for the Indian Navy. The ship, named Ajay, was inaugurated at an event in Kolkata on July 21. These ships are versatile platforms and can participate in a variety of operations. Designed with low draughts, the crafts are capable of coastal operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations, and mine-laying. These 77.6-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide warships are also capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters and pack a lethal anti-submarine armory comprising lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines. Old city ghat set for renovation, deal inked In a significant step towards urban renewal and preservation of heritage spaces, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata and TNS Logi-Park Pvt Ltd have entered an agreement to breathe new life into historic Doi-Ghat at the heart of the old metropolis. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, at the confluence of Adi Ganga stream and the main channel, Doi-Ghat derives its name from the Bengali word for curd (doi), reflecting its historical link to the local dairy trade. Once a bustling commercial hub, the ghat served as a market where curd and other goods arrived in earthen pots, especially from Howrah, renowned for its dairy produce. At the intersection of key waterways, Doi-ghat had emerged as a centre for trade and daily dialogue between rural Bengal and the emeging metropolis of Calcutta. 15 new hotels to come up in next 5 years Kolkata-based Ambuja Neotia Group announced an agreement for 15 new hotels with the Indian Hotels Company. This agreement is set to expand the partnership to over 40 hotels. The 15 new sites identified to be developed are a combination of greenfield, brownfield and conversion projects across West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. These include Taj resorts in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri and Tree of Life in Dooars in North Bengal. The projects are expected to become operational in the next five years. Kaushik Pradhan Our correspondent in West Bengal kaushik@newindianexpress.com

Multiple private schools in Shimla receive hoax bomb threats, panic grips parents, students

CHANDIGARH: Panic gripped students and parents in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday after several private schools allegedly received emails threatening to blow up their premises. The threats, however, later turned out to be hoaxes. Sources said a number of prominent private schools allegedly received bomb threat emails claiming that explosives had been placed inside the school buildings. As the news broke, frantic parents called the schools to enquire about the safety of their children and rushed to pick them up. In some institutions, students were shifted to safe locations. Taking prompt action, bomb disposal squads along with local police teams reached the schools and conducted extensive searches. However, no explosives were found, and classes resumed later in the day. Sources said efforts are now underway to trace the IP address of the email sender. Police are also coordinating with their counterparts in other states that allegedly received similar threats. The situation is under control, said a police official. Earlier, similar threat emails had allegedly been sent to the Himachal Pradesh High Court, several sessions courts, the offices of deputy commissioners, the chief secretary, and the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat. The threats reportedly came via email, consistent with a broader pattern observed nationwide, where multiple judicial complexes across India have allegedly received similar threatening messages.

Multiple Private Schools In Shimla Receive Bomb Threats, Search Operations Underway

ASP Shimla Navdeep Singh confirmed the development and said all precautionary measures are in place.

Newlywed couple killed as landslides, flash floods wreak havoc in Himachal

CHANDIGARH: Heavy rainfall battered Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of a newlywed couple and disrupting connectivity across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extreme heavy rainfall in Shimla, Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts and advised people to avoid travel. Several parts of the state have been receiving heavy showers since Sunday night. The newlywed couple was killed in Chamba after a boulder crashed onto their house while they were asleep. Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Mukesh Repaswal, said that a landslide hit two houses at Chari village of Chamba early in the morning. They had got married three months ago and were visiting the womans parental house at Chari when the incident occurred. The bodies have been recovered, he said. The heavy rainfall has also triggered landslides which have blocked the Chandigarh-Manali national highway at several points and cut off access to Kasauli, with over 401 roads shut across the state. The highway has been blocked at several locations, including Dwada, Jhalogi, Kainchi Mod, and near Pandoh in Mandi district, as well as NH-305 near Banjar in Kullu district, bringing traffic to a standstill. While the main route remains closed, an alternative route between Mandi and Kullu via Kamand and Kataula is currently open and being used to divert vehicles. Rescue and road clearance teams have been deployed to restore connectivity, but ongoing rainfall continues to hamper the efforts. As many as 401 roads across the state remain blocked due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, according to data released this evening by the State Emergency Operation Centre. Of these, 242 are in Mandi district, 55 in Kullu, 27 each in Shimla and Sirmaur, and 25 in Chamba. The report also noted disruptions to 682 electricity transformers and 151 water supply schemes. In Sirmaur, National Highway (NH) 707 remains blocked near Uttari due to falling debris. Meanwhile, in Solan district, traffic movement was severely disrupted as multiple routes -- including Kotli-Dharampur, Dharampur-Subathu, Dharampur-Kasauli, Jandauri-Pratha-Nabon, Kunihar-Totu, Waknaghat-Mamlig, and Kasauli-Jangeshu -- were hit by landslides following continuous rainfall. Massive traffic jams have been reported on these roads, forcing many travellers to take long detours or cancel their travel plans altogether. Most rivers and rivulets across the state are also in spate, prompting the opening of floodgates at the Larji and Kol dams as a precautionary measure. In response to the rising water levels, the administrations in Mandi and Chamba have also ordered the closure of schools in several areas of the two districts. Flash floods were reported in Churah sub-division of Chamba and Anni sub-division of Kullu following two cloudbursts. Meanwhile, a flood-like situation has emerged in several parts of Seraj in Mandi district, which had already been hit by flash floods on July 1. Continuous rainfall has forced the closure of schools in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Thunag sub-division in Mandi, and Kumarsain, Theog, Rohru, Jubbal, and Chopal in Shimla district. In Mandi, a vehicle was buried under a landslide near Thalot, while the Nakrod-Thalli bridge in Chamba district was washed away. In Shimla, the Jubbarhatti road was shut, leaving office-goers stranded for hours. So far this monsoon season, the state has witnessed 34 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 21 landslides, resulting in approximately Rs 1,235 crore in losses. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday spoke over the phone with the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts to take stock of the situation caused by the ongoing spell of torrential rains. In light of the prevailing weather conditions, he directed officials to remain on alert and take proactive steps to prevent any untoward incidents. He also urged the public to stay away from rivers and nullahs. People's safety is our foremost priority. I request everyone to avoid going near water bodies and to strictly follow all advisories issued by the district administration, he said. Sukhu emphasised the importance of coordination among departments to ensure timely response in case of emergencies such as landslides, road blockages or flash floods. He directed that proper flow of essential services be ensured so that people do not face any inconvenience in their day to day activities. The chief minister also expressed grief over the death of the newly married couple at Sutaah gram panchayat of Rajnagar in Chamba district.

Parliament Monsoon session LIVE | 'World witnessed India's military might': PM on Op Sindoor ahead of Parliament session

As the Parliament session kicks off today, the Congress and INDIA bloc are set to corner the Centre over key national security concerns. Multiple MPs have submitted adjournment notices seeking urgent discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Indias military response through Operation Sindoor. They are also demanding clarity on former US President Donald Trumps claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan , a move that, if true, could challenge the spirit of the Shimla Agreement. Issues like internal security lapses, strategic disclosures, and alleged voter disenfranchisement in Bihar have also been flagged. The Opposition is expected to press the Prime Minister for answers on all fronts. Monsoon session: Several Congress MPs give notices to discuss Pahalgam attack, Op Sindoor VIDEO | PM Narendra Modi ( @narendramodi ) says, This monsoon session stands as a celebration of triumph. The world has witnessed the strength of Indias military might. The Indian Army achieved complete success in 'Operation Sindoor'. Within just 22 minutes, the homes of key pic.twitter.com/OPwaJ3y2pP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2025 PM Modi speaks ahead of Monsoon session Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Monsoon session of Parliament will showcase pride and national achievement, highlighting Indias strides in defence, economy, and social welfare. Addressing the media ahead of the session, PM Modi pointed to Indias success in Operation Sindoor, saying the military operation demonstrated a new form of Made in India military power to the world. The houses of the masters of terrorists were razed to the ground within 22 minutes. The world is seeing the strength of Indias military resolve, he said, calling the campaign a symbol of 100% mission success. He also noted Indias recent landmark achievement in space, referencing the country's first human step on the International Space Station, calling it another point of national pride. On the domestic front, Modi said India had shed its past tag of being part of the Fragile Five economies and was now on track to becoming the third-largest economy in the world. In 2014, India was ranked 10th globally. Today, it is moving rapidly towards the third position, he said. The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of internal security as well. Our forces, with new confidence and resolve, are pushing back naxalism. The red corridors are now turning into green growth zones, he said, asserting that the Indian Constitution is triumphing over extremism. On inflation, PM Modi said the country had made significant progress since 2014. There was a time when inflation was in double digits. Today, its around 2%. This has brought great relief to ordinary citizens, he noted, adding that 25 crore people have come out of poverty, a fact appreciated by global institutions. He also spoke about the symbolic significance of the monsoon season. Monsoon is a symbol of innovation and new creation. It brings new energy to agriculture and to the countrys economy, especially the rural and household sectors, he said. Calling it a session of celebration and victory, PM Modi said peace and progress had defined the past decade and reiterated the governments commitment to continue delivering results across sectors.

Monsoon session: Several Congress MPs give notices to discuss Pahalgam attack, Op Sindoor

NEW DELHI: With the Monsoon session of Parliament commencing on Monday, several MPs of the Congress and other opposition parties have given adjournment notices in both houses for a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. The Congress and INDIA bloc parties are seeking to corner the government during this session by raising issues like the Pahalgam attack, Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, and the Special Intensive Review of electoral rolls in Bihar, among others. Congress Rajya Sabha member Randeep Surjewala gave a notice under Rule 267 to discuss in the upper house the April 22 terror attack and Operation Sindoor. In his notice, he urged the Chairman to suspended all business of the day as well as the Question Hour to discuss the concerns regarding the attack in Pahalgam and India's response through Operation Sindoor. Another Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has given an adjournment notice under Rule 267. She sought to discuss the grave lapses in internal security that led to the terror attack, resulting in tragic loss of innocent lives, cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan; and to deliberate on the foreign policy actions of the government following the ceasefire with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. The matter becomes even more serious in light of former US President Donald Trump's repeated public statements, made 24 times so far, most recently on July 19, claiming that he personally mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and used trade leverage to end hostilities, she said in the notice. Such assertions, if true, would violate the provisions of the Shimla Agreement, which prohibits third-party mediation on India-Pakistan matters. The people of India deserve to know whether the Shimla agreement remains in place or not, she said. Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, filed an adjournment notice, demanding a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. I seek to move an adjournment of the business of the House to discuss a matter of urgent national importance: the terror attack in Pahalgam, India's military response through Operation Sindoor, and the political and diplomatic developments that followed, he said. Gogoi said the events that followed Operation Sindoor have raised serious concerns requiring immediate and detailed deliberation in the lower house. First, the sudden announcement of a ceasefire after the operation has created confusion about its terms, timing, and stakeholders. The President of the United States made controversial claims suggesting the ceasefire was externally brokered and that he personally intervened with Pakistan's military leadership. These statements, if unchallenged, risk undermining India's sovereign standing in regional security, he said in the notice. Gogoi also said that the Chief of Defence Staff made public remarks on the nature and location of Operation Sindoor at an international forum, raising questions about the protocols governing strategic disclosures. A comprehensive discussion is essential to uphold democratic accountability, maintain institutional trust, and clarify India's national security and diplomatic posture. I hereby request permission to raise the matter, he said in his notice. Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Naseer Hussain gave a notice to suspend all the business of the house to discuss the issue and concerns arising out of the special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections there. He alleged that the ECs plan to conduct a similar exercise nationwide including disenfranchisement of a large section of the poor and marginalised, directly undermine the citizens' right to vote and erode the fairness and integrity of our electoral system. The opposition will be seeking answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all these issues.

Woman marries two brothers in Himachal, keeps polyandry tradition alive

Nahan/Shimla: Two brothers of the Hatti tribe tied the knot to a woman in Shillai village of Himachal Pradesh, with hundreds of people witnessing the marriage solemnised under the anachronistic tradition of polyandry. Bride Sunita Chauhan and grooms Pradeep and Kapil Negi said they took the decision without any pressure. Local folk songs and dances Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Himachal apple growers demand immediate halt to evictions and tree cutting

SHIMLA, July 19: Himachal Apple Producers Association (HP Seb Utpadak Sangh) has intensified its protest against the ongoing eviction drive and cutting of apple orchards on forest land, accusing the state government of ignoring the plight of small farmers and orchardists. A delegation led by the association met Education Minister and Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai MLA Rohit Thakur today, submitting a memorandum demanding an immediate halt to the cutting of trees and eviction from houses. Farmers and orchardists from Rohru, Jubbal, Kotkhai, Navar, [] The post Himachal apple growers demand immediate halt to evictions and tree cutting appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Orange alert issued in Himachal Pradesh; roads blocked, Kinnar Kailash Yatra postponed

SHIMLA: Several roads were blocked and the ongoing Kinnar Kailash Yatra halted due to incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. The pilgrimage to Kinnar Kailash, the winter abode of Lord Shiva located at an altitude of 19.850 feet in Kinnaur district, commenced on July 15 and was to continue till August 30. However, the rains have rendered the journey unsafe and hence the pilgrimage stands halted until the weather clears up and the route is declared safe, Kinnaur Police said. The Lahaul and Spiti administration has also temporarily suspended bike rides on the Manali-Leh highway until further orders. Torrential rains have led to the closure of around 250 roads in Himachal Pradesh. Accoring to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 181 roads were closed in disaster-hit Mandi, 26 in Sirmaur and 23 in Kullu district, while 61 water supply schemes and 81 power distribution transformers were affected as of Friday morning. The local meteorological office has issued an orange alert for 'heavy' to 'very heavy' rainfall in isolated areas of the state on July 21 and 23, officials said. A yellow alert has been issued for 'heavy' rains at isolated places till Sunday. Meanwhile, 'light' to 'moderate' rains lashed parts of the state on Thursday evening. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths Jogindernagar received 40 mm of rain, Sarahan 38 mm, Jatton Barrage 28.6 mm, Kothi 28.4 mm, Shilaroo 26.4 mm, Murari Devi 26 mm, Narkanda 25.5 mm, Jot 23 mm, Poanta Sahib 22.2 mm, Dharamshala 21 mm, Palampur 19.8 mm, Kufri 18.1 mm, Shimla 16.6 mm, Dhaulakuan 14 mm, Manali 12.2 mm, Jubbarhatti 12 mm and Solan 11.2 mm Kangra and Palampur witnessed thunderstorms while Kufri and Bajaura saw gusty winds with speeds ranging from 37 to 39 kilometres per hour. The State Emergency Operation Centre said that from the onset of monsoon on June 20 to July 17, around 112 people have lost their lives -- 67 in rain-related incidents and 45 in road accidents. Around 199 people have been injured, while 35 are missing, it added. Himachal Pradesh, which has witnessed 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts and 19 landslides this monsoon, has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,220 crore, the department said. Meanwhile, officials said search operations are still continuing to trace the 27 people who were washed away in the cloudburst and landslides that hit parts of Mandi district on June 30 night. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government is working around the clock to provide relief and rehabilitation to people affected by natural disasters. Sukhu said that Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur is in constant touch with him, as his constituency Seraj has suffered extensive damages. Besides Seraj, other areas including Dharampur, Karsog and Nachan have also been severely affected by the rains, Sukhu said in a statement, adding that Union ministers have been apprised in detail about the situation in these regions during his recent Delhi visit. I hope the people of the state will receive some relief when the Union Home Minister visits Himachal Pradesh, the chief minister added. He emphasised that rehabilitation of the affected people is a prime responsibility of the state government. Non-forest lands will be allocated to them, as the allocation of forest lands would require approval from the Central government. The state's priority is to reopen roads in the disaster-hit regions to ensure farmers and horticulturists can transport apples, vegetables and other produce to the markets without hindrance, Sukhu said. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed that the Himachal Road Transport Corporation has resumed mini bus services on several routes in Seraj from Friday.

Himachal: 250 roads closed due to heavy downpour; Met issues orange alert

Shimla, Jul 18: Heavy rains have led to the closure of 250 roads in Himachal Pradesh and the local meteorological office has issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the state, officials on Friday said. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said that a total of 181 roads are closed in disaster-hit Mandi, 26 in Sirmaur and 23 in Kullu district, while 61 water supply schemes and 81 power distribution transformers were affected [] The post Himachal: 250 roads closed due to heavy downpour; Met issues orange alert appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal: Landslide blocks NH 707; more downpour expected

SHIMLA, July 16: A landslide near Shillai in Himachals Sirmaur district on Wednesday blocked National Highway 707 (Hatkoti to Paonta) as a huge part of the mountain fell, completely blocking vehicular movement. Restoration work is underway, but debris falling from the mountain is obstructing the work, officials said. This has led to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the slide. Nearly 260 roads, including NH 707, are closed in the state, with 140 in disaster-hit Mandi district, [] The post Himachal: Landslide blocks NH 707; more downpour expected appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

After Shimla and Manali this road in Himachal becomes a new tourist spot: Watch viral video

A road in Himachal Pradesh has become a spectacle. Electricity poles stand in the road's center. A viral video highlighted this unusual infrastructure. The video draws comparison with similar incidents. This has triggered online reactions. People are questioning the planning and coordination. The incident raises concerns about government infrastructure projects. It also highlights the need for better inter-departmental communication.

Govt School Teacher In Himachals Shimla Booked For Alleged Sexual Assault Of Minor

A Shimla government school teacher has been booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a sixth-grade student. The victim's mother reported it, and a case was registered.

Four die in Himachal, five in Rajasthan's Kota as rain plays havoc

NEW DELHI: Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, 61 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. In Rajasthan, Khatauli in Kota district recorded 198 mm of rain over 24 hours, the highest in the state. Five youths were swept away in the Chambal River Monday afternoon after the water level suddenly rose following the release of water from 12 gates of the Kota Barrage. The identity of the five missing youths is yet to be confirmed, as the rescued individual is not in a condition to provide detailed information at this stage, Digod Police Station SHO Purshottam Mehta said. Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the authorities opened all 12 gates of the Kota Barrage at 11.30 am on Monday, releasing approximately 2.2692 lakh cusecs of water downstream, said Nisha Sharma, Junior Engineer at Kota Barrage. A met department official said that a circulation system over Madhya Pradesh has intensified into a low-pressure area. Due to the system, parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur divisions have seen heavy rain since yesterday. Delhi got a decent drizzle towards the evening, lifting the heavy humid pall it had sweltered under during the day. According to IMD data, Lodhi Road recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 18.5 mm till 8.30 am on Monday. Pragati Maidan received 24.3 mm of rain, Ayanagar, 15.5 mm, Safdarjung, 15.8 mm, and Palam, 8.5 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, 208 roads, including 157 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, are closed for vehicular traffic, while 745 water supply schemes and 139 power distribution transformers were affected. The local Met office has issued an Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, and Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday. It issued a Yellow alert, meaning heavy rain, for at least three of the 12 districts till Friday. In Odisha, the weather department forecasted heavy rainfall in 19 of the 30 districts, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked system. The India Meteorological Department cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours in the north Bay of Bengal, as squally winds, blowing at 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, were likely to prevail along and off north Odisha. A red warning was issued for extremely heavy rain, above 20 centimetres, in Mayurbhanj, Keonhar and Sundargarh. Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore were predicted to receive 12 cm to 20 cm of rain. The remaining districts were forecasted to witness 7-11 cm of precipitation. Kolkata is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is likely across South Bengal districts, as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre here. In Jharkhand, a flash flood warning was issued for Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Ranchi, Saraikela, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts till 11.30 am on Tuesday. Surface runoff and inundation may occur in some low-lying areas, the IMD said. A Red alert was sounded for heavy to extremely heavy rain in Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts, and an Orange alert for Gumla, Khunti, and Simdega districts till 8.30 am on Tuesday. The weather office has issued a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Hazaribag, Giridih, Koderma, and Deoghar till 8.30 am tomorrow. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the state is likely to experience widespread rainfall till July 17 under the influence of a depression and monsoon trough.

Assets Worth Over Rs 200 Crore Attached In Manav Bharti University Fake Degree Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Shimla has provisionally attached seven immovable properties worth Rs 1.74 crore (as per sale deed value) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal

Shimla, July 10: After three days of partial respite, Himachal Pradesh is once again under threat from renewed monsoon fury, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert today for several districts including Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Sirmaur, warning of low to moderate flash flood risks and intense rainfall over isolated [] The post Flood fears mount as IMD issues orange alert for Himachal appeared first on Northlines .

Yellow Alert, Flash Flood Warning Issued As Rain Batters Himachal; Landslide On Badrinath Route

The weather department has sounded alert for Shimla, Manali, Kullu and other districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Nadda visits disaster-hit Mandi in HP, says Centre taking all steps to to provide relief

SHIMLA, Jul 9 : The Union government will leave no stone unturned to provide relief to the disaster-affected people of Himachal Pradeshs Mandi and rehabilitate them, BJP president JP Nadda said on Wednesday after visiting the areas ravaged by cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. Fifteen people died and five were injured while a search is on to trace the 27 people who went missing after 10 cloudbursts, followed by flash floods and landslide hit Mandi region on the intervening night [] The post Nadda visits disaster-hit Mandi in HP, says Centre taking all steps to to provide relief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bomb hoax emails trigger evacuation of court complexes across Himachal Pradesh

CHANDIGARH: Panic gripped several district court complexes in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday after anonymous emails threatened to blow up the premises in Shimla, Nahan, Kullu, and Rampur. The threats led to the immediate evacuation of court buildings and a full-scale security response. However, no explosives were found, and court proceedings later resumed. According to sources, the email received by the district court in Shimla claimed that explosives had been planted on the premises and warned of imminent Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and suicide bomb attacks. In response, bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, and police personnel carried out a thorough search of the premises. The entire complex was evacuated as a precaution. Similar threat emails were also received at the District and Sessions Court complexes in Kullu and Nahan. These buildings were also evacuated, and extensive searches were conducted, but no suspicious materials were discovered. Staff, lawyers, and members of the public were safely escorted from all affected premises. Kullu Superintendent of Police, Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, stated that the local police are working in coordination with the cybercrime unit to trace the origin of the emails. Security has been tightened across the district, particularly at key government buildings, he said. Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed that multiple locations, including Rampur, received similar email threats. Preventative measures were immediately undertaken, and police teams, led by DSP-level officers, were dispatched to the sites, he said. The Himachal Pradesh Police are also liaising with other states that have recently experienced similar threats. The Nahan Court Complex in Sirmaur district was also evacuated after receiving a threat email in the morning. Panic spread quickly, but authorities managed the evacuation in an orderly fashion. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the emails had been sent using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), complicating efforts to identify the sender. The states cyber cell has been tasked with tracking the origin and determining the credibility of the threats. This is not the first time such hoax threats have disrupted official functioning in Himachal Pradesh. In recent months, similar email threats were sent to the Chief Secretarys Office at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, as well as to the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi, Chamba, and Hamirpur. One of the emails even threatened a suicide bombing at the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Authorities have reassured the public that the situation is under control and that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and security of public institutions.

We share a border with Tibet, not China: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu counters Beijings claims

NEW DELHI: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has shown that two can play that game when it comes to name mangling. In a subtle geopolitical mic drop, Khandu said during an interview with PTI Videos that his state does not share a border with China. If that sounds factually ignorant, think again. In fact, the 1,200 km international border in Arunachal Pradesh is with Tibet, not with China, he pointed out to the interviewer. Touche! His statement comes amidst sensitivities surrounding the region and China's assertive claims over Arunachal Pradesh as well as its frequent renaming of places in the state. When suggested that Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,200 km border with China, Khandu quickly intervened and said, Let me correct you here. We share a border with Tibet and not China. Officially, Tibet is under China now. That can't be ruled out. But originally, we share a border with Tibet. And in Arunachal Pradesh, we share three international boundaries -- with Bhutan, approximately 150 km, with Tibet, around 1,200 km, which is one of the longest in the country, and on the eastern side, with Myanmar, around 550 km, he said. The chief minister insisted that no state in India directly shares a border with China, only with Tibet, and that region was forcibly occupied by China in the 1950s. Khandu said historical facts back the fact it was an Indo-Tibet border and referred to the Shimla Convention of 1914 in which representatives of British India, China and Tibet participated. On China's habit of giving its own names to places in Arunachal Pradesh, he said the neighbouring country has renamed places not once but five times. I think the last time they renamed many places in Arunachal... if I am not mistaken, I think this was their fifth attempt in total. So it is not surprising for us. We know China's habit, and I think officially the MEA has dealt with it and has given them a reply, he said.

25-Year-Old Man Rapes Grandmother At Her House In Shimla, Arrested

A 25-year-old man allegedly raped his 65-year-old grandmother in Shimla. The incident was reported by the victim, leading to the man's arrest. The case is under investigation.